The Backsplash Material You've Been Missing Out On In Your Kitchen

When you think about designing or renovating your kitchen, how often do you really consider the backsplash? It's one of those things that's easy to overlook, but the backsplash isn't just there to protect your walls; it's a chance to show off a bit and give your kitchen some character. It can be a standout feature that brings together different design elements, or it can add a pop of color and texture to make the room look even better. While ceramic tiles, glass, and stone are popular choices, there's a cool option with its own set of perks: metal tiles. This material can take your kitchen from basic to stunning, whether you're into sleek, modern aesthetics or something with an industrial edge.

What's great about metal tiles is their variety. You can choose from stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and brushed nickel, each giving your kitchen a different look and feel. For instance, stainless steel looks modern and professional, while copper adds a warm, vintage touch. Plus, the reflective quality of metal tiles can make your small kitchen look bigger and brighter — perfect for compact spaces. And they're not just about looks; metal tiles are durable, easy to clean, and can handle stains and moisture like a champ. Let's dive into why metal tiles should be your new go-to for kitchen backsplashes.

Metal tiles are incredibly versatile when it comes to aesthetics. Stainless steel tiles will give your kitchen that modern, minimalist look — perfect if you want your kitchen to feel like a high-end restaurant. Or if you're into something more rustic, copper tiles are expensive but a great choice — note that copper starts off shiny and then develops a patina because the material reacts naturally with air and moisture. Over time, this reaction creates a greenish layer on the surface, which could either be off-putting to you or add some aged charm to your space. Meanwhile, if you're aiming for an industrial look to your kitchen, choose brushed nickel tiles for their matte, textured finish and cool, metallic color.

Metal tiles also come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and patterns, so you can get really creative with how you arrange them. Classic subway tiles always look great, or you could go for something more intricate with herringbone or mosaic patterns. For example, if you're aiming for a subtle backdrop, go for stainless steel tiles in a subway pattern. But if you want your backsplash to be a bold statement piece, try combining stainless steel and copper tiles for a striking two-tone effect.

Besides looking great, metal tiles are practical for a kitchen backsplash. Unlike natural stone tiles that soak up water if there's too much moisture or ceramic tiles, which are slightly porous, metal tiles are resistant to moisture. A simple wipe with a cloth and warm water is usually enough to keep them looking fresh. This makes them ideal for busy kitchens. If you want to clean more thoroughly, you can use warm water and some dishwashing detergent. But for stainless steel, it's best to use specialized stainless steel cleaners and polish, which you can find at Target for around $7. Just remember to use a lint-free dry cloth, as stainless steel scratches easily.

Installing metal tiles isn't too complicated, either. They're easy to cut to size and pretty lightweight, so handling and positioning them is straightforward as long as you have the right tools. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or hiring a pro, you'll appreciate how easy they are to work with.

Metal backsplashes are durable and can handle heat, which is perfect for behind the stove where splashes and spills are common. But metal does retain heat better than ceramic or stone, so be aware that using your stovetop is going to heat up your metal backsplash significantly. Since metal expands when heated, make sure you ask your contractor to secure it properly, too. Metal backsplashes won't suit every kitchen and every homeowner, but they're a practical and stylish choice that's worth considering.